Manoj Tiwary complains against Devang Gandhi’s entry in Bengal dressing room

Manoj Tiwary complains against Devang Gandhi’s entry: Bengal’s veteran batsman was vocal against the National Selector’s entry into the dressing room.

Be it non-selection in domestic tournaments or social media platforms, veteran Bengal batsman Manoj Tiwary often finds himself on the opposite side of the national selectors.

34-year old Tiwary, who last played for India during the tour of Zimbabwe in 2015, is among the rare breed of Indian cricketers who don’t hesitate to put their point forward. Having backed his criticism with sound reasoning in the past, Tiwary confronted national selector Devang Gandhi with an off the field but valid logic earlier in the day.

It all happened at the Eden Gardens where Gandhi was in attendance of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Andhra today. Gandhi’s attempt to enter the Bengal dressing room was restricted by Tiwary who cited “anti-corruption protocol” as the reason behind not allowing the former India played into the dressing room.

“I had absolutely followed each and every protocol. I was invited by Bengal coach Arun Lal to the dressing room. He was my first captain. I had a back issue, so I took permission and asked the Bengal physio to come to the medical room. But Manoj [Tiwary] seemed to have issues with it.

“It’s not me but the entire Bengal cricket fraternity is feeling bad about it. I have nothing against Manoj [Tiwary]. It is not a great example set [by Tiwary] for youngsters,” Gandhi was quoted as saying by PTI regarding the incident.

Manoj Tiwary complains against Devang Gandhi’s entry

Tiwary, who scored 46 (78) with the help of six fours and a six after Andhra captain Hanuma Vihari invited the hosts in to bat yesterday, stood by his point that national selectors are not allowed inside the dressing rooms without authorisation.

“We have to follow what is contained in the anti-corruption protocol. A national selector cannot get in the dressing room without authorisation. Only the players and officials who have their mug-shots at the entrance can get access in the dressing room,” Tiwary said about the issue.

After veteran Bengal pacer Ashok Dinda was left out of the squad on disciplinary grounds yesterday, this is the second undesired incident regarding the Bengal team in as many days.